Deposition morphology of non-homogeneous debris flow and its energy characteristics

Non-homogeneous two-phase debris flows are widely found in the western mountainous regions of China. To investigate the characteristics of the debris flow deposition process related to the morphology and extent of the debris fan, a series of physical experiments were carried out using an experimental flume. Some useful relationships were obtained to link the flow velocity with the geometric characteristics of deposition morphology and the corresponding area or volume. Based on these, some expressions about energy dissipation process in both the transport-deposition zone and deposition zone are presented, and improved equations describing solid-liquid two-phase energy transformations in the specific deposition zone are also established. These results provide a basis for further investigating the underlying mechanisms of non-homogeneous debris flows, based upon which effective disaster control measures can be undertaken.